April 18 , 2012

London, ON – Brescia University College professor and Chair of the Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences Dr. Alicia Garcia, PhD, RD, CFE5 was awarded Champion of Education and Training, Educator, from the Canadian Association of Foodservice and Professionals (CAFP) — Toronto Branch.

Dr. John Mitchell, Academic Dean of Brescia, says, “This is such a great honour since the Toronto branch is full of food industry professionals. With so many educators, and great chefs in Toronto, this really puts London on the map.”

Alicia has been busy assisting with the CAFP National Conference, which will be held in London from May 2nd to 6th with assistance from Brescia students. The CAFP Brescia chapter was started in 1994 by Alicia, who has been the faculty advisor ever since. She is very proud of the three Brescia CAFP student presidents, Noelle Martin, Amanda Holman, and Jaclyn Nairn, who have received the National Gold Plate award. The London CAFP has also received numerous awards for outstanding student development and education. On her own, Alicia has achieved the pinnacle diamond level of the credentialed food executive (CFE) designation, which represents the mark of achievement, knowledge, and dedicated leadership to the food service industry and the public.

Alicia has worked at Brescia since her graduation with a PhD in International Nutrition from Cornell University 22 years ago. Her research focus has centred on the eating behaviours of diverse cultural groups, elderly immigrants, children, and university students.
Her personal satisfaction comes from seeing the students become so successful in their chosen careers, sometimes exceeding her expectations. “It warms my heart,” she says. “There is no greater feedback than knowing you had a small part in their success and how glad you are when you meet them again. I am very excited about seeing all the past Champions of Education at the May conference from across Canada. We have a great line up of educators and entertainers already booked for the conference.”

Brescia University College, Canada’s premier women’s university college, is affiliated with The University of Western Ontario. The 1,100 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in Arts, Social Sciences, and Foods & Nutrition in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred, and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity. For more information, please visitwww.brescia.uwo.ca